Gemotions

The weight room always gave him a headache. The heavy iron and the smell of sweat made him feel queasy. Coach Davies had summoned him. He’d seen the way Davies had been looking at him lately, the narrowed eyes, the pursed lips.

The air in the office was thick with a tension that settled like a physical burden. Coach Davies sat in his chair, arms folded, as he started to speak. He talked about "strategic shifts" and "team dynamics."

Mark leaned back, his back protesting against the cheap plastic chair. He stared at the ceiling, trying to focus on anything but the words. His stomach churned. He heard the pronouncements and knew what was coming. He could practically taste the bitterness in the air.